Parliament Square looking glorious in the sunshine

Parliament Square shines for Oldham Pride 🌈

Get ready for a dazzling day of celebration, colour and community at Parliament Square in the heart of Oldham next weekend.

At 12pm on Saturday 26 July, the parade will set off from the Tommyfield Inn on Henshaw Street, snaking through Oldham town centre, led by a vibrant samba band with Fifi Olivia the Pink Owl, local groups, mascots and performers.

From 12.45pm there will be live acts, market stalls, food and drink and activities for all ages in Parliament Square until 5.30pm.

Everyone’s welcome – just come along and join the fun, there's no booking needed and it’s free!

Parenting Officers Joanna Bird and Nicola Carnes at the latest Nurturing Programme

"It has changed my perspective" - Dads praise life-changing parenting course

Six dads have walked away with a fresh outlook and practical tools they can use at home after completing a free 10-week parenting course.

The Centre for Emotional Health Nurturing Programme is run by Oldham Council’s Parenting Team as part of our Family Hubs offer.

It supports parents and carers in understanding their children’s emotions, managing behaviour in a positive way, and building more nurturing relationships.

One dad reflected: "As a big bloke I feel that I'm expected to be the assertive parent and the strong parent and rule-setter. But I wanted my daughter to feel that she could come to me."

Read the full story by clicking here.

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq honouring early years heroes in Oldham

Celebrating the early years heroes who help shape young lives

Oldham’s early years workforce were honoured for their hard work in giving our children the best start in life.

At a special celebration at Billingtons ballroom, Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, awarded certificates of appreciation to recognise dedication to shaping brighter futures every day from nurseries, pre-schools and childminders.

Cllr Mushtaq said: "You lay the foundations for our children and young people ensuring they become good, functioning members of society 15 to 20 years down the line. We are really grateful for what you do."

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq with children from Buttercup Corner and apprentice Harley Keenan

Little artists make a big impact at heart-warming gallery exhibition

Cllr Mushtaq also recently joined children from Buttercup Corner Day Nursery in Chadderton at the launch of Drawn to You, a new exhibition celebrating Greater Manchester’s early education workforce at Manchester Art Gallery.

The exhibition, as part of the Greater Manchester Early Education and Childcare Workforce Campaign led by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, includes photographs and artwork by the children.

It shines a light on 11 amazing practitioners, including teen apprentice Harley Keenan from Buttercup Corner.

Cllr Mushtaq said: "The Drawn to You exhibition is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact early years practitioners have on children’s lives and seeing the artwork was truly moving."

The exhibition is open to the public throughout July.

The summer holidays are here - book now for our free activities! 🌞

Keep the kids busy and active with Oldham’s HAF programme – packed with fun activities and free meals for children on free school meals.

Spaces go quickly, so make sure you don't miss out and book now.

Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/haf

Free parenting courses to support you and your family

We have a range of support available for parents and carers, from Baby Bonding to teen resilience.

👶 Our five-week Baby Bonding course will help new and expectant parents learn more about how their little ones develop with simple, gentle activities.

🚸Positive Parenting Discussion Groups are for parents or carers of a child aged 2-9 struggling to manage their behaviour, such as fussy eaters or struggles with bedtime routines.

🛣️ Our Positive Parenting for Teens groups will help navigate the teenage years.

🧠 Youth Connect 5 teaches skills and understanding to help children 11-16 develop strong emotional skills and build resilience.

🏫 And Youth Connect 5 In Transit helps with your child's transition to high school.

To register, email [email protected] and state which course you are interested in.

Enjoy a time travelling adventure in Oldham this summer holiday

Time travel through the streets with the free, fun, interactive digital Oldham Time Trek Trail for all ages.

Explore 12 exciting locations across the town centre and take selfies with hidden AR (Augmented Reality) characters and solve puzzles to win a treat from Waterstones.

Simply scan QR codes at the stops with your phone, and you don't need to download an app or to book.

Find out more by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/news

Join Oldham Family Hubs for our Summer Park Events

Join Oldham Family Hubs for a programme of park events during the summer holidays, with free crafts and games for the family.

🕐 Time: 1–3pm

📍 Event Dates and Locations:

Monday 21 July: Higher Memorial Park, Failsworth (M35 9DE)

Tues 29 July: Werneth Park (OL8 1RB)

Friday 8 August: Berries Field (OL9 6SW)

Thursday 14 August: Uppermill Park (OL3 6BA)

Wednesday 20 August: Royton Park (OL2 6RL)

For more info on our Family Hubs visit familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk

Don't miss your chance to win an Oldham Gift Card

Shop local, and businesses in the Oldham Gift Card scheme are giving customers a small card with a QR code as part of the Great Gift Card Giveaway which ends tomorrow (Saturday, 19 July.)

Scan the QR code to play an online game and see if you’ve won.

To buy a gift card, click here.